Arctic Politics, Security and International Relations

2026/2027

Учебный год

ENG

Обучение ведется на английском языке

3

Кредиты

Кто читает:

Факультет мировой экономики и мировой политики

Статус:

Курс по выбору

Когда читается:

2-й курс, 1, 2 модуль

Course Syllabus

Abstract

Аннотация (ABSTRACT): Will the Arctic be the setting for an inevitable conflict over natural resources? Why does Donald Trump want the USA to acquire Greenland? Will the Arctic be the setting for new shipping opportunities along the Northern Sea Route? Why does China call itself a “near-Arctic” state? This course seeks to help students understand the answers to such questions. As climate change heats the Arctic at a rate four times faster than the rest of the world, the region is becoming a focal point for environmental concerns and new economic opportunities (such as access to natural resources and new shipping routes). At the same time, the Arctic is an increasingly important region from a strategic and security perspective. The course explores political and governance developments in the Arctic as they relate to such issues from various perspectives. The course aims to provide students with a detailed understanding of the origins and current dynamics of Arctic politics, security and governance affairs. The course offers an introduction to the politics of the Arctic region for students with intermediate-advanced English as well as a foundation in policy analysis, world politics and international relations. The course examines the Arctic policies (security strategies, foreign policies and economic development approaches) of the eight Arctic states (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Russia, and the USA), the national and international governance of the Arctic (in institutions such as the Arctic Council, EU, NATO, and UN), and the role of non-Arctic states (such as China and India) in the region’s affairs.

Learning Objectives

• This course explores the intersection of climate change, economic interests, and security challenges. These dynamics present profound implications for global governance, environmental sustainability, and international relations in other regions. The course will be useful for students who are interested in the intersection of such issues. The course prepares students for various career and academic paths that analyze security, foreign policy, international political economy, sustainable development, and climate change. The course will equip students with knowledge of international policy and governance frameworks relevant to Arctic issues, preparing them for roles in fields such as policy analysis, environmental advocacy, economic consulting, international organizations, and diplomacy.

Expected Learning Outcomes

• I. Explain the relevance of key terms and concepts used in the analysis of Arctic politics, security and governance.
• II. Identify and discuss the roles of various stakeholders in Arctic affairs, such as Arctic states, non-Arctic states, international institutions, indigenous peoples, private companies, and non-governmental organizations.
• III. Describe the political history of the Arctic region since the Cold War, with a focus on national development policies, security strategies, foreign policies, and governance frameworks.
• IV. Illustrate the global evolution and main debates in the study of Arctic politics, security and governance by outlining and contrasting the main theoretical and practical arguments about Arctic politics.
• V. Investigate the strengths and weaknesses of various approaches, methodologies and directions to studying Arctic politics.
• VI. Evaluate contemporary Arctic political events and engage in debate on these themes from a variety of theoretical viewpoints and a range of policy challenges with a comprehensive argumentation.
• VII. Develop an awareness of the intersection of climate change, economic opportunities, security issues, and international relations in the Arctic.

Course Contents

• 1. Introduction: political ontology of the Arctic
• 2. Arctic climate change and environment
• 3. Arctic economy: energy, resources and shipping
• 4. Arctic security, geopolitics and conflict
• 5. The Arctic Council and international cooperation
• 6. Arctic state policies and strategies, Part I: Russia
• 7. Arctic state policies and strategies, Part II: USA and Canada
• 8. Arctic state policies and strategies, Part III: Europe
• 9. Non-Arctic state policies and strategies: China and India
• 10. Life in the Far North: Arctic peoples and societies

Assessment Elements

• Essay (written test)
• Seminar participation
• Oral Exam

Interim Assessment

• 2026/2027 2nd module
  0.25 * Essay (written test) + 0.5 * Oral Exam + 0.125 * Seminar participation

Bibliography

Recommended Core Bibliography

• Елукова, Ж. А. Arctic Leader : Учебно-методические пособия / Ж. А. Елукова. — Архангельск : САФУ, 2020. — 201 с. — ISBN 978-5-261-01483-6. — Текст : электронный // Лань : электронно-библиотечная система. — URL: https://e.lanbook.com/book/226823 (дата обращения: 00.00.0000). — Режим доступа: для авториз. пользователей.

Recommended Additional Bibliography

• A history of the Arctic : nature, exploration and exploitation, McCannon, J., 2012
• International politics of the Arctic : coming in from the cold, Hough, P., 2013

Authors

• Zakharova Elizaveta Sergeevna
• Vishniakova Nataliia Vladimirovna
• Kuznetsova Elena Viktorovna
• DEVYATKIN PAVEL DIMITRIEVICH